San Francisco has declared a state of emergency in response to the growing spread of monkeypox cases in the city.
As of July 27, 261 people had confirmed or probable cases monkey pox infections, with health officials warning the figure is likely to rise.
The city’s mayor, London Breed, tweeted: “San Francisco declare a local public health emergency for monkeypox.
“This statement will take effect from August 1 and will allow us to prepare and dedicate resources to prevent the spread.
“This virus affects everyone, but our LGBTQ community is seeing significant cases and we need action, we need more vaccines.”
The declaration of emergency includes measures such as:
• Mobilize City resources
• Acceleration of contingency planning
• Rationalization of city staff
• Coordinating agencies across the city
• Raising awareness of how anyone can stop the spread of monkeypox
San Francisco health worker Susan Philip said: “We want the flexibility to be able to use our resources to better serve the public and protect health.
“We also want to affirm our commitment to the health of our LGBTQ communities in San Francisco, as we have always done as a city,” she added, referring to the population most affected by monkeypox so far. ‘now.
Read more: Gay men advised to limit number of partners to slow spread of disease
Ms Breed also offered support to members of the LGBTQ community who are ‘frightened and frustrated’, assuring them that the local emergency ‘will allow us to continue supporting our most at risk, while better preparing for what is to come. “.
According to reports, San Francisco received approximately 8,200 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which is intended to prevent monkeypox and smallpox in adults.
However, Ms Breed said in a written statement: “A few weeks ago, the San Francisco Department of Public Health requested 35,000 vaccines to begin vaccinating those most at risk of contracting the virus.
“So far, in the last three weeks, we have barely received a third of this request.
Monkeypox: your questions answered
“It’s not enough, and the reality is that we’re going to need well over 35,000 vaccines to protect our LGBTQ community and slow the spread of this virus.
“We are aware that there is a shortage of vaccines across the country, but despite this, these vaccines must be distributed quickly in places like San Francisco which have a disproportionate share of cases.
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